Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumors: agent

Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumors: agent
Jurgen Klopp is "very happy" in his current post at Red Bull despite rumours linking him to a return to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday. (AP/File)
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Updated 18 April 2025

Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumors: agent

Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumors: agent
  • Agent Marc Kosicke said 57-year-old Klopp was enjoying his new job
  • RB Leipzig coach Zsolt Low said he “could not imagine” Klopp moving to Real Madrid

BERLIN: Jurgen Klopp is “very happy” in his current post at Red Bull despite rumors linking him to a return to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday.
The former Liverpool manager became Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer in January, taking care of a stable of clubs including RB Leipzig, the New York Red Bulls and Bragantino in Brazil.
Real Madrid’s quarter-final elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal this week has led to speculation manager Carlo Ancelotti is headed for the exit at the end of the season.
German media reported that Klopp was one of the names that the Spanish giants want to take over in the Bernabeu dugout.
Asked about the rumors, his agent Marc Kosicke said 57-year-old Klopp was enjoying his new job.
“Jurgen is very happy with his new role with Red Bull,” Kosicke told Sky Deutschland.
Also speaking on Friday, RB Leipzig coach Zsolt Low said he “could not imagine” Klopp moving to Real Madrid, adding the German was “very happy in the job.”
Low praised Klopp’s impact, saying “he’s shown that he can bring a club together, a group of 40, 50, 60 people, and take them with him.
“He adds incredible value with his experience, his human quality and his energy.”
In a 23-year career as a top-flight manager with Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz, Klopp left each club of his own accord, a rarity in coaching.
“No matter where he’s been, he’s given 100 percent,” Low said, adding “regardless of where he is he’s stayed and done the job. It’s important to him to make a clean exit.”
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is considered a leading candidate for the Real Madrid job. Alonso, a former Madrid player, said Friday it was “not the time” to discuss his future.


‘Whatever he’s gonna bring to the table, I’ll be ready,’ says Hamad Marhoon ahead of PFL MENA debut  

‘Whatever he’s gonna bring to the table, I’ll be ready,’ says Hamad Marhoon ahead of PFL MENA debut   
Updated 8 sec ago

‘Whatever he’s gonna bring to the table, I’ll be ready,’ says Hamad Marhoon ahead of PFL MENA debut  

‘Whatever he’s gonna bring to the table, I’ll be ready,’ says Hamad Marhoon ahead of PFL MENA debut   
  • Bahraini fighter faces Walid Gounaine in a flyweight showcase bout at Dhahran Expo on Dec. 5

DUBAI: Bahrain’s Hamad Marhoon makes his highly anticipated SmartCage professional debut at the Dhahran Expo in Alkhobar, , for the “PFL MENA Finals: All Or Nothing” on Dec. 5.

Marhoon will face fellow newcomer Walid Gounaine of Morocco in a flyweight showcase bout, and he is brimming with confidence.

“I’m ready. Whatever he’s gonna bring to the table, I’ll be ready. Up, down, anywhere. I see myself being well-prepared,” Marhoon said.

“I know that he’s a combat sambo fighter, he fought in the Moroccan championships. I think I’m ready for whatever’s gonna stand in front of me.”

Marhoon was initially scheduled to compete at the last PFL MENA event, but the fight was cancelled when his opponent failed to make weight. Marhoon is happy that he is getting another chance to showcase his skills.

“Of course, I’m grateful to have an opportunity like this. Since I was a kid, I’ve been working hard and believing in myself, and I’m ready for challenges and opportunities like this.”

Marhoon said he has been working on his grappling and ground game to counter Gounaine’s sambo skills.

“In the last camp, it was more about focusing on striking, but I was also mixing it up, with cage control,” Marhoon explained. “In this camp, we have been working more on wrestling and ground and pound.”